Kat closed her eyes for a second, steadied herself, and slowly, so slowly, climbed her way back up the carport roof.

She said a silent prayer of thanks as she reached the window, then, as quietly as she could, raised the wooden sash, feeling inside to see if a screen or storm window blocked her way. She found neither, and silently balanced her rear end on the window ledge, then swung her legs around.

She was in. Quickly she closed the window and tiptoed toward the bed.

She'd never really asked Riley if he still slept in his childhood bedroom, but there was most certainly a man sprawled out on the bed in the darkness, breathing deeply, and since Riley was the only current resident of the Bohland House, she figured it was mission accomplished.

Almost.

As soon as she took off her shoes and slipped out of her coat and pajamas, she realized how cold she was. With a shiver, she pulled away the comforter and slipped her naked body into Riley's private cocoon. It made her smile to see that he still slept on his right side, and she curled up against his back and pressed close. He was warm. His body hair tickled her. She nuzzled her nose into the nape of his neck and breathed deep.

Hey there, said a sleepy voice. Riley flipped over to face her. What took you so long?

Kat giggled, noticing right away that he was naked, toogloriously, fabulously naked. I'm middle-aged. I don't run as fast as I used to, and scaling the roof was a bit dicey, she said.

With his fingertips, Riley began to stroke her cheek. Middle age looks real good on you, in case I haven't mentioned that, but I did leave the front door unlocked for you. Kat could see his wicked grin.

What? She smacked his biceps and laughed. You mean I didn't have to risk life and limb to get to you?

Nope. He left little kisses all over her face and neck. But you got to admitit's pretty damn hot that you did.

He was right. It was damn hot. Kat grabbed his head and brought her mouth hard against his. She wanted to inhale him, eat him alive, melt into his flesh.

Riley groaned in pleasure, extending the kiss down to her throat. You do know that this has been my primary sexual fantasy for the last twenty yearsKat Cavanaugh coming through my window, curling up against me, begging me to make crazed, unrestrained love to herright?

She giggled. How about having a crazed, unrestrained heart-to-heart talk with her?

Riley stopped kissing her throat. That was always a close second.

I want another chance with you, Kat said suddenly, before she lost the nerve.

OK

I want to get to know you againas the complex grown man you are, not the kid of my memories. I want you to know me, too, all of me, including my darkest mistakes and my brightest hopes.

I want that, too, Riley said, his voice warm and gentle.

I want to see if there's a future for us. I'm so sick of wondering and guessing and fantasizing about you and meI just want there to /be/ a you and me. Kat's eyes began to fill with tears. Riley, I know I was stupid and selfish yesterday and You sure were.

She laughed in surprise. Yeah? Well, you were stupid and selfish, too.

My God, I certainly was.

I'm sorry, Riley.

I'm sorry, too.

The tears streamed down the sides of Kat's face. Riley wiped them away.

Kat, there's something I want to say. I need to get it out there.

Let me go first. Can I go first?

Riley kissed her gently, smiling at her childlike enthusiasm. Sure.

Kat took a giant breath. She wanted to get through this without too much blubbering. I ask that you forgive me for keeping Aidan from you all this time out of spite. You were rightthat's exactly what it wasand I'm so ashamed to admit that. Kat squeezed her eyes tight; then, when Riley tried to speak, she shook her head to convey that she wasn't done.

Forgive me… oh God, Riley, please forgive me for taking away your right to be a father.

Kat opened her eyes again and stared at him expectantly, swallowing hard as she waited for his answer.

I forgive you, Kat. I truly do.

She mouthed a silent, /Thank you./ When she closed her eyes in relief, a whole flood of tears was released.

Please forgive me for sending you away like I did. The words broke from Riley's throat in a scratchy whisper. Kat, forgive me for not even giving you a chance to tell me you were going to have my baby. I understand now how much you loved and needed me, and I know it must have killed you when I told you I didn't want you anymore.

She nodded quickly. It did. But I forgive you, Riley. From the bottom of my heart, I forgive you.

Riley placed a gentle kiss of thanks on her trembling lips and breathed in the relief of the words they'd spoken to each other. He'd always heard that forgiveness was just as healing to the person doing the forgiving as the person being forgiven. Now, as they both basked in a double shot of forgiveness, he knew how right that was.

Riley gently cupped her face in his hands. Here's my promise to youwe will be able to handle anything the world throws at us, as long as we face it together.

She smiled. I like that.

Who do you love, Kat? he asked, his eyes on fire in the darkness.

That's an easy one, she said. I love Riley James Bohland, forever and ever, the way I've always loved him.

And who does Riley Bohland love?

Katharine Ann Cavanaugh, forever and ever.

What kind of car do you want?

A loaded Jaguar that I drive right off the lot, paid for in cash. She started giggling.

His hand landed on her bare butt. And what's the first house you want to buy?

A run-down row house in Baltimore.

Riley laughed. How about the one after that?

Maybe a beach house. Or a ski chalet. Or maybe we can find an old Victorian rat-trap to get out of hock.

Ugh, he said. Moving along… how many kids do you want?

One is goodand I already got him. His name is Aidan.

Yes, it most certainly is. Riley paused and lifted Kat's chin so he could look intently into her eyes.

Thank you for my son. Thank you for loving him so much and keeping him safe.

Thank you for accepting him into your life the way you have. Kat stroked his solid biceps, his hard chest. He's a lucky kid. And he talked to me yesterday! I didn't even have a chance to tell you! He answered my call!

Riley gathered her in his arms and held her tight, his hands caressing her from her shoulder blades to her upper thighs. It felt so good to her, she groaned out loud.

I knew he'd come around, Riley said, smiling. And now I have a little favor to ask.

Anything.

Would you be willing to give me one more?

It took Kat a moment to realize what he'd asked for, but when she did, she broke out in a smile. I can't think of a single reason why we shouldn't.

Me, either, Scout.

I think we should start trying right away.

You do? He gulped.

I'm ready for a Cherry Hill repeat.

Oh, thank God. Riley said it half-laughing and half-serious.

He kissed her, then let his lips slide down to her full breasts. All the while he moved his hands along her sides, across her rounded belly, to the crux of her smooth thighs. With his fingers, he read her, listened to her, heard exactly what she wanted and needed.

I need you to fuck me, she said.

I'm getting there, he said, smiling to himself at her greedy request.

Don't tease me, Riley, she panted.

I'm trying to please you, so just lay back and enjoy.

With the gentlest pressure, he sank his fingers into her wet slit, then moved them up and down the length of her opening until she was writhing on his hand. He rubbed the swollen head of her clitoris, feeling it plump up further under his fingers, knowing he was bringing her close to coming.

This is the rest of my fantasy, just so you know.